Adelaide, Australia Meeting Planning Overview

A picturesque setting along the banks of the River Torrens and next to the Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable and affordable cities. Australia is already noted for its value-for-money reputation, and Adelaide's food, accommodation, and transport costs are even lower than those in other Australian state capitals, such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Topping off the list of advantages is accessibility. The Adelaide Airport boasts Australia's most advanced airport terminals, thanks to its new, multimillion-dollar international facility. Within the city itself, the free City Connector loop bus transports visitors quickly to most of the popular downtown attractions, while the railway network and O-Bahn Busway — the longest guided busway in the world — stretch even further.

With its many meeting-friendly benefits and spacious event venues, it's no surprise that Adelaide has earned a reputation as Australia's Festival City. Located right on the river, the Adelaide Convention Centre consistently ranks among the world's top event facilities. Its 20,000 square meters of pillarless exhibition space can accommodate up to 6,500 banquet guests. The huge Plenary Hall, 34 meeting rooms, and expansive atrium and foyer areas round out the center's unparalleled spaces.

Nearby, the Adelaide Entertainment Centre is also a prime events venue. Its magnificent Arena, the main venue in the complex, covers 2,680 square meters and can host up to 8,000 guests. The Star Room features floor-to-ceiling windows and space for 300 guests, while the modern Theatre boasts state-of-the-art technology and retractable seats. The Adelaide Entertainment Centre, which has hosted top-name performers such as Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Bublé, ramps up the excitement for any event by offering corporate and club suite opportunities as well.

All average costs based on U.S. Government Per Diem rates as published by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Cities Near Adelaide, Australia

Distance

Estimated Driving Time

Estimated Min. Flying Time

Estimated Flight Cost

Elizabeth, SA

27 km

44 min

n/a

N/A

Gawler, SA

41 km

1 hr 4 min

n/a

N/A

Murray Bridge, SA

75 km

1 hr 3 min

n/a

N/A

Canberra, ACT

1,159 km

5+ hrs

1 hr 35 min

AUD $300+

Sydney, NSW

1,375 km

14+ hrs

1 hr 55 min

AUD $340+

Adelaide, Australia Climate Information

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Avg. High (°C)

27

27

25

22

18

16

15

15

17

21

23

25

Avg. Low (°C)

15

15

14

11

9

7

6

7

8

10

12

14

Rec. High (°C)

43

42

40

36

29

25

26

27

33

37

41

41

Rec. Low (°C)

7

8

4

3

-

-2

-1

-

1

3

4

6

Rainfall (cm)

1.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

5.0

5.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

6.0

2.0

2.0

Adelaide has a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city is the driest of all Australian capital cities, with infrequent summer rainfall averaging 20 millimeters during January and February. Summer months with no rain at all are common. During the winter, rainfall is more prevalent; June is the wettest month of the year with an average of 80 millimeters of precipitation.

Summer temperatures average 29°C. The average winter temperature is 16°C. Early spring and late autumn, which run September to November and March to May, are the best times to visit Adelaide.

Meeting Planning in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide Convention Centre

With a prime location next to the River Torrens in the heart of Adelaide's cultural complex, the Adelaide Convention Centre consistently ranks among the world's top such facilities. This world-class space, easily accessible by foot, car and public transportation from many of the city's 3500 downtown hotel rooms, can accommodate and manage events of up to 6,500 people. The centre's convenient location also places it only 10 minutes from Adelaide Airport and close to numerous cafes, bars and restaurants.

In 2001, a massive renovation expanded the total area of the centre by 110 percent. Today, it offers 10,450 square meters of pillar-less exhibition floor space. The main Plenary Hall can seat up to 3,500 people as a whole, but is also divisible into five exhibit halls with theater-style seating. The centre also boasts eight reception foyers, three offices for event organizers, and 14 meeting rooms that range in size to hold 10 to 200 people. Its exhibit halls and conference and banquet areas are all linked by an expansive atrium and foyer areas that offer unparalleled views of the River Torrens and Adelaide Parklands

Amenities at the centre include on-site audio-visual services, state-of-the-art telecommunications capabilities, on-site parking for 1,250 vehicles, and three drive-in loading areas. In addition to on-site catering, the centre's Regattas Bistro on the Riverbank Level serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Striving to accommodate the increasing need for environmentally-friendly options, the Adelaide Convention Centre offers a series of Go for Green events packages and carbon emission offset options.

Adelaide, Australia Airport Information

Adelaide Airport (ADL)

Adelaide Airport is Australia's fifth-busiest airport terminal, as well as its most advanced. Well-equipped to handle large crowds, the airport's new terminal is capable of processing 3,000 passengers per hour. The airport itself can handle 27 aircrafts at a time, including the new Airbus A380. Only a 10-minute drive from downtown, the airport offers both short- and long-term parking facilities. The City Shuttle and Adelaide Airport Flyer offer service to major hotels and attractions in downtown Adelaide.

Adelaide, Australia Public Transportation

Adelaide Parklands Terminal

Formerly called Keswick Rail Terminal, the Adelaide Parklands station is about five minutes from downtown and serves three interstate train routes: The Indian Pacific line runs between Perth and Sydney; the Overland runs between Adelaide and Melbourne; and the Ghan line crosses the nation between Adelaide and Darwin.

Adelaide Metro

Although train, bus, and tram services are managed by different companies, together they are known as the Adelaide Metro. Transportation options decline after 6 p.m. and do not operate at all after midnight, except for a special "After Midnight" bus. This bus runs to four key stops on late Saturday nights/early Sunday mornings only.

Operating with a unified ticketing system called the Metroticket, the Adelaide Metro offers single-trip tickets, valid for two hours, that allow the passenger to move freely around the transport network. Two-section tickets, the most commonly used, are valid for about three kilometers of travel, or about one railway station on the train network. There is also a reloadable Metrocard available.

Metropolitan Railway

Adelaide is the last mainland capital without an electric train network, though its trains are known to suffer fewer delays that many of their counterparts. Operated by Adelaide Metro, six train lines service the area: Gawler, Seaford, Tonsley, Outer Harbor, Grange, and Belair. A fairly regular service is available to most suburbs. Trains run from around 5 a.m. to midnight.

O-Bahn Busway

The O-Bahn Busway is the longest guided busway in the world. Buses travel up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) along the 12-kilometer track with three interchanges: Tea Tree Plaza, Paradise, and Klemzig Station. O-Bahn buses run every 15 minutes at Mega Go Zone stops, and the total route duration is about 23 minutes.

Glenelg Tram

The historic Glenelg Tram runs from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to this popular seaside town on the sandy shores of Holdfast Bay every 15 minutes. Fare is free in certain zones on either end.

Adelaide, Australia Ground Transportation

Rental Cars

Rental car companies Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, and RedSpot Sixt operate at Adelaide Airport. Rental car counters can be found on the ground floor next to baggage claim.

Taxis

Adelaide has a well-maintained taxi service with hubs at prominent city locations such as King William Street and SkyCity Adelaide Casino.